Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Available Free for Family Physicians

Editor's Note: Sanofi Pasteur has notified AAFP News Now that the company left some details out of its offer. The free vaccine offer applies only to physicians who immunize patients who do not have insurance coverage and who cannot afford the vaccine. In addition, physicians would need to waive their administration fee.

Vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur has announced it is making a surplus supply of its FDA-approved Fluzone Intradermal flu vaccine available to family physicians free of charge -- provided FPs administer the vaccinations to indigent patients and agree to waive the administration fee -- while quantities last.

Fluzone Intradermal -- which is more expensive than its intramuscular counterpart and ships as a single-dose, preservative-free, prefilled syringe -- is indicated for use in patients ages 18-64 years.

Sanofi says it prefers minimum orders of 10 intradermal units (100 doses) and will ship the vaccine to physician offices.

Although there is a large quantity available, supplies likely will go quickly so AAFP members needing vaccine should place an order as soon as possible. Physicians will also receive a training video on administering the vaccine with their order.

All orders should be e-mailed to Mary Kate Reeves-Hoche with "Fluzone ID vaccine request" included in the subject line. Sanofi also is asking physicians to include a

date of request;

Sanofi Pasteur customer number (if applicable);

name and address;

contact name and phone;

number of intradermal units requested (1 unit = 10 doses); and

number of intradermal doses requested.

Sanofi requires information on the hours a location is open for delivery. In addition, for physicians requesting more than 970 doses, the company needs to know if the location can accept 100-pound plus pallets that are 48 inches by 40 inches by 46 inches, as well as whether or not a phone call is required to schedule delivery.

The AAFP, in conjunction with the CDC, recommends that family physicians begin immunizing patients before the onset of influenza activity in the community and continue offering vaccinations throughout the influenza season.